SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate chipper according to industry norms 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261803  Operate chipper according to industry norms 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Horticulture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The activities of tree felling and pruning often result in tree logs, poles, poor wood, edge wood, hedges, bushes and tree trunks that may not be of immediate use.

Chippers make it possible to chop all kinds of wood waste referred to above. An in feed on all chipper models is facilitated by a steel belt conveyor and a roller with welded grab cogs to chip at the incoming wood feed.

This Unit Standard provides the competency required by tree workers to operate a Chipper according to recognised standards. Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Inspect the equipment and operational site according to organisational standards.
  • Prepare to use equipment at a work site.
  • Operate the equipment safely according to working standards.
  • Conduct activities for post equipment use in accordance with working standards.

    This Unit Standard is intended to promote skills in the broader field of forestry and nature conservation field of horticulture in order to raise and maintain competence levels. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2 or an equivalent.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2 or an equivalent.

    In addition learners have:
  • Knowledge of basic safety in the urban forestry setting.
  • First Aid competencies. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Inspect the equipment and operational site according to organisational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Chipper is checked for safety and functionality according to requirements and operational standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Trailer road-worthiness, consumables.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of removing debris from previous use is explained in terms of possible damage to equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of not tightening up loose equipment parts are explained in terms of injuries to the operator and other role-players and possible damage to equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Chipper is serviced according to requirements and operational standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Sharpening of blades.
  • Manufacturer's specifications.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The benefit of checking site for potential hazards is explained according to operational standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to use chipper on work site in accordance with operational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Chipper operator is in full gear to operate equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety footwear, Gloves, Non-catch clothes, Hard hat, Hearing and eye protection, Compliance with standards.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of wearing Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) when operating equipment is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The function of each item of the PPC is explained in terms of the protection each provides. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Site is checked for possible power, sewage, telecom lines and other ground utilities in accordance with operation standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The grinder is prepared for operating in accordance with operation standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre-start checks, barriers are erected along discharge side, as required.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    On-site precautionary measures are taken according to safe working standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signage is erected; site is secured for grinder operations.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate equipment as per specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Chipper is operated safely according to manufactures instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Damage to equipment, injury to the operator.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chipper is operated safely according to workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chipper is operated safely in accordance to site conditions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct activities for post equipment use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Chipper is checked for debris after use according to organisational working standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chipper is checked for loose parts after use according to organisational working standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Loose parts are tightened up according to manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Chipper is transported off site according to organisational operating standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Site condition is in accordance with requirements as per contractual obligations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Site condition is in accordance with workplace standards, legal and or sector norms and standards. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Knowledge considered critical to the successful achievement of this unit is covered in the specific outcomes and assessment criteria. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems relating to:
  • knowledge of use and maintenance of equipment.
  • Identifying possible hazards on site. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community when:
  • Interacting with team members and colleagues during the handling, operation and maintenance of equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage him/her self and his/her activities when:
  • Preparing grinder for operation.
  • Putting on PPC to protect myself from possible injuries.
  • Demonstrating knowledge of factors influencing efficiencies in the use of chippers.
  • Managing resources and my time. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when:
  • Handling, operating and maintaining equipment.
  • Standard operating procedures are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically when:
  • Handling, operating and maintaining the equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • When he/she can explain and justify own actions and procedures followed during the planning, preparation and completion of the grinding operation.
  • By being aware of impact of grinding activities on the environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Anyone assessing a learner against this Qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA as an assessor.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and between various ETQA's (including professional bodies).

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

    The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid reliable and non-discriminatory.

    For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this qualification, the applicant needs:
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • To be in possession of the relevant qualification.
  • To have sufficient relevant experience.
  • To have the appropriate qualification to assess communication and mathematical literacy. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65490   National Certificate: Arboriculture: Tree Preservation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.